Automatic catenary perching device

Abstract

Automatic pole-laying device for checking the absence of tension and for railing a railway catenary, the device comprising a mast on which are included: - a first gantry arm called "for checking the absence of tension" comprising a pole for checking the absence of tension on which is positioned a device for checking the absence of tension equipped with a hook; - a second gantry arm called "for railing" comprising a railing pole with a pole head and an equipotential bonding cable allowing, in use, the connection of the catenary to the railway rail; - an automation system comprising a set of safety sensors for the two gantry arms and a safety PLC to control the position of the gantry arms;Each gantry arm is connected to the mast by a pivoting cylinder and a lifting cylinder, allowing the position of the gantry arms to be changed independently using the safety controller in order to move the tension absence verification pole and / or the rail-mounting pole from a rest position to a working position, the working position being a position in which the tension absence verification device can check the catenary tension and the connecting cable can ground the catenary during a maintenance operation.

Description

Object of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of overhead lines for electric railways and, in particular, to their maintenance equipment. More specifically, the present invention concerns an automatic device for verifying the absence of voltage and grounding of overhead lines, ensuring both the correct positioning of the voltage presence monitoring equipment and the grounding pole during a maintenance operation.

[0002] In particular, the device ensures the electrical isolation of the catenary, thus allowing access to the installation in compliance with locally applicable standards. State of the art

[0003] During work on a railway line, it may be necessary to ground an overhead power line (catenary). Various devices exist for grounding catenary lines while allowing trains to continue running on the track, thus preventing service interruptions.

[0004] Document FR3041821A1 discloses a positioning device for a railway catenary grounding system, designed to minimize or eliminate disruption to rail traffic during maintenance operations. The positioning device comprises a positioning pole with an end element providing a means for attaching an installation pole and an electrical cable of a grounding system, and a means for securing the suspended element to an external element at the edge of the railway track.The positioning device allows an operator to install the grounding device on the catenary, then position the installation pole and electrical cable off the railway track by attaching the device to a catenary mast or any other post typically found along the railway. The operator can then detach the positioning pole from the device and reuse it for another application.

[0005] Document FR3120574A1 discloses a similar device, but allowing for the simplification and motorization of the positioning of the pole and ensuring its contact with the catenary.

[0006] The CN112590624B document describes an automatic grounding device that performs electrical control of the grounding switch opening and closing, automatic electrical inspection and discharge, and intelligent grounding switch status detection. The device includes a voltage transformer, a grounding switch status detection circuit, an electrical inspection circuit, an automatic discharge circuit, and a monitoring unit. The control process involves setting voltage thresholds for the catenary, detecting the catenary voltage, discharging the catenary if necessary, closing the grounding switch, controlling the output voltage and current of an adjustable power supply, and assessing the reliability of the grounding. Objectives of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a solution for automating the verification of voltage absence and the grounding of catenary wires. The objective is to ensure the correct positioning of both the voltage presence monitoring equipment and the grounding pole when maintenance is planned.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to provide reliable and safe access to the installation requiring maintenance. The device enables automated electrical isolation of the catenary in compliance with locally applicable standards.

[0009] Another objective pursued by the invention is to provide an automatic device, with limited human intervention, while offering a simple and ergonomic device.

[0010] All the equipment used in the device of the invention, and which is in contact with the catenary and equipotential bonding, is subject to approval, depending on the network operator (SNCF, SNCB, for example). Main characteristic elements of the invention

[0011] The present invention relates to an automatic pole-setting device for checking the absence of tension and for aligning a railway catenary with the rail, the device comprising a mast on which are included: a first gantry arm called "voltage absence verification" comprising a voltage absence verification pole on which is positioned a voltage absence verification device equipped with a hook; a second gantry arm called "rail alignment" comprising a rail alignment pole with a pole head and an equipotential bonding cable allowing, in use, to connect the catenary to the railway track rail; an automation system comprising a set of safety sensors for the two gantry arms and a safety PLC to control the position of the gantry arms; Each gantry arm is connected to the mast by a pivoting cylinder and a lifting cylinder allowing the position of the gantry arms to be changed independently using the safety controller in order to move the tension absence verification pole and / or the rail-mounting pole from a rest position to a working position, the working position being a position in which the tension absence verification device can check the catenary tension and the connecting cable can ground the catenary during a maintenance operation.

[0012] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the device further comprises one of the following features, or an appropriate combination thereof: The cylinders include actuators for moving the boom arms; the safety sensors are position sensors for the boom arms and / or poles, or limit switches for the cylinders; the safety sensors and the VAT device are connected to the safety controller to provide it with the signals to be processed to determine the positions of the two boom arms, the operating status of the VAT device, and confirmation of the absence of voltage on the catenary; the automatic pole-raising device has a sealed, atmosphere-controlled housing to ensure the necessary storage conditions for the voltage verification device; the VAT device is equipped with a self-test function to ensure the proper functioning of the VAT device, the status of the VAT device's power supply battery, and the condition of the grounding cable;The automatic pole-raising device includes a maintenance walkway providing access to the automatic pole-raising device; the automatic pole-raising device includes an access ladder for accessing the maintenance walkway; the automatic pole-raising device includes a ladder locking system that prevents access to the walkway until the pole-raising procedure is correctly completed; the equipotential bonding cable is a 95mm² cross-section cable approved for equipotential bonding, in use, between the pole-raising device and the rail; the automatic pole-raising device includes a metal pin located at the rest position with equipotential bonding to the rail, for the VAT self-test phases; the automatic pole-raising device includes a connection to a remote PLC so that an operator can communicate with the safety PLC.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a method of moving a lower arm of the automatic perching device from the rest position to the working position.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a method of securing the track using the perching device. Brief description of the figures

[0015] There figure 1 represents a perspective view of an example of a device according to the present invention, the perching device being in the rest position and equipped with a maintenance walkway and its caged access ladder, as well as a watertight housing to protect the voltage absence verification device.

[0016] THE figures 2A to 2C represent the steps to move from the rest position to the working position of a gantry arm of an example of a device according to the invention. figure 2AThis corresponds to the resting position in which both gantry arms are parallel to the rails and the catenary. figure 2B This corresponds to an intermediate position in which the gantry arm is pivoted by a jack to be perpendicular to the rails and the catenary, but the gantry arm is located at a certain vertical distance without being in contact with the catenary. figure 2C corresponds to the working position in which the boom arm is in contact with the catenary, following a lowering of the latter by a jack.

[0017] There figure 3 represents an enlarged perspective of an example of a device according to the present invention, one of the gantry arms being in the rest position and the other gantry arm being in the working position.

[0018] There figure 4represents an enlarged perspective of an example of a device according to the present invention, the cantilever arms being in an intermediate position (namely in a position perpendicular to the rails and the catenary, but being located at a certain vertical distance from the catenary without being in contact with it). Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

[0019] An example of the automatic perching device 1 according to the present invention is shown in the figures 1 to 4 The automatic pole-setting device 1 allows, on the one hand, the verification of the absence of tension on the catenary 11, and on the other hand, the placement of the catenary 11 on the rail, all in an automated manner in order to facilitate the operation and keep the operators safe.

[0020] To achieve this, the pole-mounting device 1 comprises a first gantry arm 3, called the "voltage absence verification (or VAT)" gantry arm, and a second gantry arm 4, called the "rail alignment" gantry arm. The two gantry arms 3 and 4 are fixed to a mast 2, as shown in the diagram. figure 1at a specific height to allow access to the catenary 11 while remaining outside the increased kinematic clearance of the rolling stock. The gantry arms 3, 4 are movable and can move between a so-called rest position, in which the arms 3, 4 are parallel to the catenary 11 and the railway rails, and a so-called working position, in which the arms 3, 4 are perpendicular to the catenary 11 and such that the pole-mounting device 1 is in contact with the catenary 11. Each gantry arm 3, 4 can be moved independently, and be in its rest or working position independently of the other gantry arm 3, 4, as illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C.

[0021] The first gantry arm 3 includes a voltage absence verification pole 5, at the end of which is positioned a voltage absence verification device 12 which measures the residual voltage of the catenary 11. The voltage absence verification device 12 is equipped at its end with a hook 19 to make contact with the catenary 11. When this first gantry arm 3 is in the working position, the voltage absence verification device 12 is in contact with the catenary 11.

[0022] The second rail-mounting arm 4 comprises a rail-mounting pole 6, to which an equipotential bonding cable 13 is attached. The pole 6 has a pole head 20 at its end to make contact with the catenary 11. When this second rail-mounting arm 4 is in the working position, the bonding cable 13 connects the catenary 11 to the railway track rail, thus grounding the catenary 11. This protects operators from residual voltages and in the event of accidental re-energization of the catenary. The equipotential bonding cable 13 (approved by the service responsible for the catenary network) can, for example, be a cable with a cross-section of 95 mm², depending on the requirements.

[0023] The VAT 12 device is mechanically independent of the rail mounting device to allow for its retraction after testing. Preferably, the VAT 12 device is stored in a sealed enclosure 16 with a controlled atmosphere. The sealed enclosure can be heated and cooled with temperature and humidity control. Internal and external temperature and humidity measurements can be taken to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation, ensuring optimal temperature and humidity conditions.

[0024] The mobility of the gantry arms is achieved using cylinders, preferably electric screw jacks, which are controlled by actuators. Each gantry arm 3, 4 is connected to the mast 2 by a pivoting cylinder 7, 8 and a lifting cylinder 9, 10. The first pivoting cylinder 7 allows the first gantry arm 3, used for tension checks, to pivot, while the second pivoting cylinder 8 allows the second gantry arm 4, used for rail alignment, to pivot. The first lifting cylinder 7 allows the first gantry arm 3, used for tension checks, to translate vertically, while the second lifting cylinder 8 allows the second gantry arm 4, used for rail alignment, to translate vertically. The position of the arms can be changed independently via the different cylinders.

[0025] THE figures 3A to 3CThese represent the transition of a gantry arm 3, 4 from the rest position to the working position. The gantry arm 3, 4 must pass through an intermediate position illustrated in Figure 3B. In Figure 3A, the gantry arms 3, 4 are positioned in the rest position. Next, when the operator wishes to secure the catenary 11 of the track in question, the pivoting cylinder 7, 8 will pivot the gantry arm 3, 4 into an intermediate position so as to be perpendicular to the catenary 11 in order to position the pole head 5, 6 over the catenary 11, without it being in contact with the catenary 11. Once in the intermediate position with the pole head over the catenary 11, the gantry arm 7, 8 must be lowered into the working position so that the pole head 5, 6 comes into contact with the catenary 11. This is done using one of the lifting cylinders 9, 10.The steps can be controlled independently and automatically, and can be performed for each of the boom / pole arm assemblies. The steps are performed in reverse order to move these assemblies to the resting position.

[0026] To automate the pole-raising procedure, the pole-raising device 1 includes an automation system to control the position of the boom arms 3 and 4 and receive information from the voltage-controlled device 12. This automation system comprises a set of safety sensors 18 and a safety controller 14. The safety sensors 18 are connected to the safety controller 14 to provide it with the signals to process in order to determine the positions of the two arms and poles. The automation system allows the pole-raising device 1 to be controlled, thanks to the safety controller 14, which can receive a set of data transmitted by the voltage-controlled device 12 as well as the various sensors. The role of the safety controller 14 is therefore to collect and analyze a set of data (position of the poles, operating status of the voltage-controlled device, confirmation of the absence of voltage on the catenary, etc.).Before initiating the various stages of the track securing procedure, the system must provide secure information such as "catenary de-energized and track-mounted," "catenary power present," "VAT battery fault," etc. This information, once processed, for example, by a remote controller, will authorize or deny the work to be carried out on the track. For example, the catenary 11 must be track-mounted only when it is de-energized. This will be monitored by controller 14 via the VAT device 12, and will determine whether the next track-mounting stage is initiated. The safety controller 14 then controls the movement of each of the gantry arms 3 and 4 from the rest position to the working position and vice versa, via the hydraulic cylinders.This allows the rail-mounting pole 6 and the tension absence verification pole 5 to be moved from the rest position to the working position, and vice versa, independently.

[0027] Preferably, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the VAT 12 device is tested before the procedure for installing it on catenary 11. To do this, the VAT 12 device is equipped with a "self-test" remote control to ensure the proper functioning of the device, the condition of the device's power supply battery and the condition of the grounding cable.

[0028] The positions of the jib arms 3, 4 are controlled by the safety sensors 18, which can be position sensors of the jib arms 3, 4 and / or the poles, and / or limit switches of the cylinders for example.

[0029] In the event that the catenary 11 becomes slack, the pole position sensor(s) will detect the descent of the pole head 20 or the hook 19 (depending on whether the VAT and / or the rail alignment system is deployed). The lifting cylinder(s) 9, 10 are then activated until the safe contact position between the pole head 20 or hook 19 and the catenary 11 is restored.

[0030] The pole-raising device 1 according to the invention may include a maintenance platform 15 that allows operators access to the automatic pole-raising device 1 and the various equipment for carrying out the necessary periodic checks of the elements in contact with the catenary 11, as well as maintenance of the pole-raising system. An access ladder 17 provides access to the maintenance platform 15. Preferably, an electromechanical locking system for the ladder 17 may be provided. This prevents operators from accessing the platform 15 until the pole-raising procedure is properly completed, or unless the operator has the required authorizations.

[0031] The perching device 1 may also include an equipotentiality pin placed at the rest position, with equipotential connection to the rail, for the self-test phases of the VAT device 12.

[0032] A remote controller can be provided so that the operator can communicate with the safety controller 14, exchange information on statuses and control track poles.

[0033] An electrical control box for the safety automaton 14 can also be provided at the bottom of mast 2, accessible to the operator. Example of a procedure for using the device

[0034] When maintenance needs to be carried out on a section of railway track, the steps for securing the track using the lifting device of the invention are as follows: the operator makes a request to secure the track on which he wants to intervene, for example via the remote controller, to the safety controller 14; the safety controller 14 confirms that the catenary 11 is de-energized, and sends a check order for absence of voltage and pole connection to the pole connection device 1; the safety controller 14 preferably launches a self-test procedure of the voltage absence verification device 12 and verifies that the latter is operational;If the self-test result is not compliant, the safety controller 14 stops the voltage absence verification procedure and the pole-mounting procedure and sends information with details of the problem encountered during the self-test (low voltage battery, lack of connection to earth / rail, etc.). The gantry arm 4 supporting the voltage absence verification device 12 extends above the catenary 11, then makes contact with it using the two electric actuators of the VAT gantry arm 8 and the safety sensors 18 to adjust the position and ensure correct contact with the catenary 11; the voltage absence verification device 12 measures the residual voltage on the catenary 11 and sends the result to the safety controller 14; the safety controller 14 preferably launches a self-test procedure for the voltage absence verification device 12 and verifies that the latter is still operational;If the VAT and self-test results after measurement are correct, the gantry arm 3 supporting the rail-mounting pole 5 extends above the catenary 11 and then makes contact with it using the two electric actuators of the rail-mounting pole gantry arm 7, 9, and the safety sensors 18 to adjust the position and ensure correct contact with the catenary 11; if the VAT result is incorrect, the information is transmitted to the safety controller 14, which informs the operator via communication with the remote controller. In this case, access to the platform and work on the track are prohibited. This automatic sequencing corresponds to the manual operating procedure for securing an electrified track in accordance with current procedures. List of reference symbols 1 Automatic perching device 2 Mast 3 Voltage Absence Testing (VAT) arm 4 Rail-mounting gantry arm 5 Voltage absence testing pole 6 Railing pole 7 VAT gantry arm swivel cylinder 8 Swivel cylinder of the rail-mounting gantry arm 9 VAT jib arm lifting cylinder 10 Lifting cylinder for the rail-mounting jib arm 11 Catenary 12 Voltage Absence Verification Device (VAT) 13 Equipotential bonding cable for the rail-mounting pole 14 Automated system (safety controller) 15 Maintenance Gateway 16 Waterproof housing for the VAT device 17 Access ladder and its crinoline 18 Security sensors 19 Contact hook between the VAT device and the catenary 20 Perch head

Claims

1. Automatic pole-laying device (1) for checking the absence of tension and for rail-laying a railway catenary (11), the device (1) comprising a mast (2) on which are included: - a first gantry arm (3) called the "voltage-laying check arm" comprising a voltage-laying check pole (5) on which is positioned a voltage-laying check device (12) equipped with a hook (19); - a second gantry arm (4) called the "rail-laying arm" comprising a rail-laying pole (6) with a pole head (20) and an equipotential bonding cable (13) allowing, in use, the connection of the catenary (11) to the railway rail; - an automation system comprising a set of safety sensors (18) of the two gantry arms (3, 4) and a safety controller (14) to control the position of the gantry arms (3, 4);each gantry arm (3, 4) being connected to the mast (2) by a pivoting cylinder (7, 8) and a lifting cylinder (9, 10) allowing the position of the gantry arms (3, 4) to be changed independently by means of the safety controller (14) in order to move the voltage absence verification pole (5) and / or the rail-mounting pole (6) from a rest position to a working position, the working position being a position in which the voltage absence verification device (12) can check the tension of the catenary (11) and the connecting cable (13) can ground the catenary (11) during a maintenance operation.; 2. Automatic perching device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylinders (7, 8, 9, 10) include actuators for moving the jib arms (3, 4).

3. Automatic perching device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The safety sensors (18) are position sensors of the jib arms (3, 4) and / or poles (5, 6), or limit switches of the cylinders (7, 8, 9, 10).

4. Automatic perching device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The safety sensors (18) and the VAT device (12) are connected to the safety controller (14) in order to provide it with the signals to be processed to know the positions of the two gantry arms (3, 4), the operating status of the VAT device (12), and confirmation of the absence of voltage on the catenary (11).

5. Automatic perching device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that It includes a sealed case (16) with a controlled atmosphere to guarantee the necessary storage conditions for the voltage absence verification device (12).

6. Automatic perching device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatThe VAT device (12) is equipped with a self-test function to ensure the proper functioning of the VAT device (12), the condition of the VAT device's power supply battery (12) and the condition of the grounding cable (13).

7. Automatic perching device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes a maintenance walkway (15) allowing access to the automatic perching device (1).

8. Automatic perching device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that It includes an access ladder (17) for accessing the maintenance walkway (15).

9. Automatic perching device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that It includes a ladder locking system (17) which prevents access to the walkway (15) until the perching procedure is properly completed.

10. Automatic perching device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The equipotential bonding cable (13) is a 95mm cross-section cable 2 approved making the equipotential bond, in use, between the rail-mounting pole (5) and the rail.

11. Automatic perching device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that It includes a metal pin placed at the rest position with equipotential connection to the rail, for the VAT self-test phases.

12. Automatic perching device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes a link with a remote PLC so that an operator can communicate with the safety PLC (14).

13. Method for moving a lower boom (3, 4) of the automatic pole-raising device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, from the rest position to the working position, comprising the following steps: - the boom arms (3, 4) are positioned in the rest position; - the pivoting cylinder (7, 8) pivots the boom arm (3, 4) into an intermediate position so that the boom arm (3, 4) is perpendicular to the catenary (11), the pole (5, 6) being positioned over the catenary (1) without being in contact with the catenary (11); - the lifting cylinder (9, 10) lowers the boom arm (7, 8) by vertical translation into the working position so that the pole head (19) is in contact with the catenary (11); the steps of the process can be controlled independently, and also in reverse to move the gantry arm (3, 4) from the working position to the rest position.

14. Method of securing the track using the pole device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: - request to secure the track on which the intervention is to be carried out, for example via the remote controller, to the safety controller (14); - confirmation by the safety controller (14) that the catenary (11) is de-energized, and sending a command to verify the absence of voltage and to pole the pole to the pole device (1); - preferably, self-test procedure of the voltage absence verification device (12) by the safety controller (14); - deployment of the boom arm (3) supporting the voltage absence verification device (12) above the catenary (11) by means of the pivoting cylinder (7) of the VAT boom arm (3);- The VAT pole (5) is brought into contact with the catenary (11) by means of the lifting cylinder (9) of the VAT gantry arm (3), and the safety sensors (18) to adjust the guidance and ensure correct placement; - The residual voltage on the catenary (11) is measured by the voltage absence verification device (12) and the result is sent to the safety controller (14); - If the VAT result is correct, the VAT arm is returned to its rest position and the gantry arm (4) supporting the rail-mounting pole (6) is deployed above the catenary by means of the pivoting cylinder (7) of the VAT gantry arm (3); - The rail-mounting pole (6) is brought into contact with the catenary (11) by means of the lifting cylinder (10) of the rail-mounting gantry arm (4), and the safety sensors (18) to adjust the guidance and ensure correct placement; - if the VAT result is incorrect, the information is transmitted to the safety controller (14).;

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